The airport industry briefing
The latest news, views and numbers you need to know this month
News in Numbers
$2.7bn
India’s GMR Group has announced plans to invest around $2.7bn in expanding its current airports and developing new aerodromes.
60.5%
Zurich Airport operator Flughafen Zurich has reported a 60.5% drop in passenger numbers in H1 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
33.2%
Sydney Airport losses deepen to 33.2% year-on-year in H1 2021, to $243m, with a decrease in both aeronautical and retail revenues.
25
The Government of India is set to monetise 25 airports managed by the Airports Authority of India over the next four years.
€158m
Amsterdam Schiphol reported a 57.1% slump in passenger numbers in H1 2021, reporting a net loss of €158m.
Projects
FAA awards $766m in grants
The US Federal Aviation Administration has granted more than $766m for the development of safer, more sustainable and more accessible airports across the US.
Finavia to open new entrance to HEL
Finnish aviation firm Finavia is set to open a new entrance to the Helsinki Airport Terminal 2 and update traffic arrangements for passengers on 1 December 2021.
China to build new airport on reclaimed land
China is reportedly planning to construct a new $463m airport on land claimed from the sea near Taiwan, which would serve as a major aviation and logistics hub.
AAI undertakes Rajkot Greenfield Airport construction work
Airports Authority of India has commenced work for the construction of Rajkot Greenfield International Airport at Hirasar, Rajkot in the Indian state of Gujarat. Estimated to cost around $189.86m, the new airport will cover an area of over 1,032ha.
Quotes
Airport Operators Association chief executive Karen Dee comments on the update to the international travel country listings:
“The continuing overly cautious approach to international travel only serves to reinforce how long the road to recovery for our airports remains.
“Aviation remains a long way off a full recovery and with over half of all aviation employees remaining on furlough, it is vital that the government provide ongoing financial and employment support to avoid further job losses as a direct result of their overly cautious and damaging approach to international travel.”
The International Air Transport Association's director general, Willie Walsh, responds to the updated EU travel restrictions for US visitors:
"While this is a disappointing development for businesses and people who rely on travel, the data from the US and Israel supports the value and benefit of vaccination.
"As governments rightly urge their populations to be vaccinated, governments need to be confident in the benefits they bring – including the freedom to travel. At a minimum, those who are fully vaccinated should be free to move without restriction."
